Cabinet Members and the Race To the Bottom
If there were a contest for the egregious cabinet appointment, a case could be made for a great number. Being an “energy guy,” I could talk for days about Energy Secretary Rick “science behind climate change is unsettled” Perry. But at least he’s not (to the best of my knowledge) a criminal like Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who clearly violated federal law in his VIP treatment of child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Having said all this, if you’re looking for someone obscenely unqualified, you can’t count out Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Actually, “unqualified” isn’t the worse part of the DeVos package, insofar as she is actively sabotaging U.S. education.
Looks like a toss-up.
Craig,
Boy! When you attack someone you dislike or whom you perceive may hold different political opinions, you dont hold back do you? You’re really reckless with your assertions, with absolutely no regard for honesty, accuracy, fairness or even the US constitution
Not for you the niceties of “presumption of innocence” or accuracy in description. When you decide you don’t like someone, you use as many wild exaggerations as you can deploy. Silly incidentals like no personal knowledge or understanding of the complexities of any issue, don’t hold you back! An obscure Facebook blogger or CNN assertion is enough! That’s all you need!
Then, it’s out with the pitchforks, burning torches and lynching noose.
Let’s start with your accusations against Jeffrey Epstein, who appears to be a thoroughly venal person with a serious personality disorder. The “child” part of your accusations is highly emotive and inaccurate.
The girls were indeed underage, but most were worldly, feral teens and willing, eager participants. That’s not to excuse Epstein’s aberrant behavior, nor lessen the criminality just a more accurate context.
Well, maybe in your indignation that lapse could be forgiven, even justified, but then you unequivocally announce:
” A criminal like Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta”.
No need for any investigation, eh? That’s it, he’s a “criminal”. Let’s do away with the niceties of a fair and impartial investigation, knowledge of all the facts, bringing formal charges, sue legal process, persuading 12 jurors and a Judge, securing a conviction and waiting for the appeal process.
Nope, not for you! He’s clearly a criminal because he’s a Trump appointee so it’s a lynch for him, and don’t get in you way!
“obscenely unqualified” An interesting accusation. The Oxford Dictionary describes “obscene” as ‘the portrayal or description of (sexual matters) as offensive or conduct disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency’.
“unqualified” . Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is clearly qualified by the terms of the US constitution to hold her position.
By calling Betsy Devos “”obscenely unqualified” you are calling the US Constitution obscene.
Federal Education Secretaries have only a small input to the US education system. Most decisions regarding education in the US are at state and local school board level. For good or bad, the US has one of the most decentralized education systems in the world.
I’ve always believed excessive ranting and exaggerated hyperbole lessens the impact of narrative and eventually the public grow inured to the message. Reasoned, carefully researched, accurate, rational language has more persuasive power and lasting impact.
Maybe I’m wrong, maybe in the age of social media, shouting is the only way to be heard.